Passage of Athletic Training Title Protection – Win for California

A major regulatory effort was met with a historic win in California and will have a huge impact on the future of the athletic training profession. In late September, the Governor of California Gavin Newsom approved AB796 Title Protection for Athletic Trainers, ensuring title protection in California. This achievement greatly impacts Athletic Trainers (ATs) practicing in California. The profession now has some type of regulation in all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia.

The law prohibits a person from holding themselves out as an “Athletic Trainer” or using similar titles unless they have graduated from a Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education accredited athletic training program or met Board of Certification (BOC) eligibility requirements and are certified by the BOC. The bill also prohibits the use of these titles by individuals who have had their Athletic Trainer license or registration disciplined or restricted in another state, or if they have a criminal conviction related to certain sex offenses.

Led by Assemblymember, Akilah Weber, MD and the California Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA), along with many in the profession and allied organizations, including support from the BOC, have worked over many years to achieve this major legislative milestone. Efforts to regulate ATs date back to the 1980s; the persistence of the CATA has finally paid off. Assemblymember Weber stated, “I would like to thank the CATA for working with me to push this consumer protection measure forward. I am proud that we can now have full confidence and trust in the professionals that oversee the physical activities and health of athletes throughout the state.”